James Crowley (23) is a New Zealand-born wicket-keeper batsman, who until recently played his cricket in the Sydney Grade Competition. He was an integral member of the University club that won successive 1st Grade Premierships (2010/11, 2011/12) and he also played for the New South Wales 2nd XI and New South Wales Country Colts.

Crowley played key roles in both grade final victories showcasing his big match temperament. In the 2010/11 Belvedere Cup Final, he shared a 165-run 8th wicket partnership scoring 50 from 209 balls to help post 282 from 99-7. The following year, he scored an un-defeated 36 (95) against Randwick-Petersham, a side flooded with State players including Khawaja, Katich, Coyte, Hauritz and Cockley.

His success culminated with representative honours for the Sydney XI selection. He had previously represented the New South Wales Country Colts and played representative cricket for Newcastle from juniors through to senior level.

He has captained the University of Sydney and Intervarsity XI’s whilst undertaking a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), which he passed with First Class Honours and has also filled many roles at his club, including Undergraduate Representative to the Board, Honorary Treasurer, Player Committee Member and Assistant Coach of the Green Shield (Under-16) side.

Crowley spent part of the 2013 season in England playing for the Australian Universities, before making the move back to his country of origin to pursue first-class cricket. He has joined Wellington Premier Club Taita, where he has acquitted himself well in the opening half of the 2013/14 season.

The keeper/batsman is a personable individual, with sound communication, organizational and team-work skills who is now seeking a return to Northern shores once his season with Taita has finished in April 2014. He boasts an existing Youth Mobility Visa and coaching qualifications, so represents a fine acquisition for any club next summer.